Some of the most beautiful pieces of religious art are seen all the time on websites and advertisements, but we might not realize how old they are, who painted them, etc. I have favorites that I am sharing here. I find that religious art help the readings from Sacred Scripture, Catholic teachings, and saint stories come alive.

Purgatory by Annibale Carracci, 16th century

This is my absolute favorite image of Purgatory. It seems, based on catholic teaching, to be very accurate. Many people forget about Purgatory and some don’t realize that Purgatory is a holy cleansing. We cannot get to heaven if we aren’t clean, fully holy. Purgatory purges us from those sins that we committed here on earth and still stain our soul after death.

---

Adoration of the Holy Trinity by Albrecht Dürer, 16th century

This painting gives a lovely representation of the hierarchy of heaven and earth. It shows how small we are here on earth compared to the vast, holy, utopian way of heaven. Dürer did an amazing job showing how the Holy Trinity is central to our faith. It shows a oneness of the Triune God while still showing each distinct person within. You see the chorus of angels in adoration and the saints in awe, on their knees venerating God. Notice that Mary is placed in the forefront, but not so much so that she takes center stage with God.

---